Understanding OWI, DUI, and DWI: What Do They Mean? – Exploring the differences and legal implications of OWI, DUI, and DWI across different states and the importance of seeking legal assistance when facing charges. Introduction: Understanding OWI, DUI, and DWI Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are …
Category: OWI
Navigating OWI/DUI/DWI Charges: Legal Issues, Defenses, and Impact
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are varying terms used to describe the same legal offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substances. The legal implications and consequences of such charges can be severe, often resulting in fines, license revocation, mandatory educational …
Understanding Ignition Interlock Devices
Ignition Interlock Devices: Their Purpose, Legal Implications, and Iowa Requirements Overview of Ignition Interlock Devices Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are crucial tools in preventing individuals from driving under the influence of alcohol. These devices are essentially breathalyzer devices (a.k.a. “blow and go”) that are installed in vehicles, and they function by requiring the driver to …
How OWI Programs Have Been Modified due to COVID-19
In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, which has caused an indefinite suspension of all 48-hour OWI programs, and pursuant to an agreement between the Johnson County Attorney, the Department of Correctional Services, and the Johnson County District Associate Court, for OWI cases in which a deferred judgment order was granted and in which the …
OWI vs DUI: Iowa’s Drunk Driving Laws
Many people assume that when you are arrested for drunk driving you always receive a DUI, or Driving Under the Influence. However, that is not the case in every state. In fact, when you’re arrested for drunk driving in Iowa, you’ll be charged with an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), not DUI. Though both charges are very …
How Illinois Marijuana Legalization will Affect Iowans
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed a new bill legalizing the sale and possession of marijuana starting January 1, 2020. Here is how the sale of legal marijuana in Illinois may affect Iowans. Purchasing & Possessing Marijuana in Illinois With the new legalization law, non-residents, including Iowans, will be able to purchase and use marijuana …
Your Right to an Independent Chemical Test
According to Iowa law, when you are arrested for an OWI, you have the right to an independent chemical test. This test would be in addition to any breath or urine tests administered by the arresting officer, and would come at your own expense. However, there is no independent chemical test right unless and until you …
New Iowa Temporary Restricted License Law
Last year a new Iowa temporary restricted license law went into effect, drastically changing how temporary restricted licenses (TRL) work in Iowa. No Periods of Ineligibility Under the new Iowa temporary restricted license law, there are no periods of ineligibility. This means that almost everyone is eligible for a TRL immediately, regardless of age, test consent …
What is Implied Consent?
As a condition of your ability to drive in the state of Iowa, the law implies that you agree to consent to the withdrawal of a specimen of your breath, urine, and sometimes blood to determine the level of alcohol or other substances in your system, if certain predicate circumstances exist, i.e. there are reasonable …
How Quickly Can I Drive Again After an OWI in Iowa?
How quickly you can drive again after an OWI in Iowa depends on a variety of factors, including: your number of previous offenses or revocations your age at the time of the offense consent or refusal to take the breathalyzer test First Offense After your first OWI offense, with some exceptions, typically you will lose your …